Monday, 16 January 2012

Some consider face oils to be less sophisticated than many of the high-tech products that grace the pages of glossy magazines; but we are all familiar with the saying that sometimes it’s the simple things that are the most effective and the best.

Face oils are a case in point – providing of course your organic skincare routine contains the right oils for you and your skin type.

I have written about face oils before so if you have read my previous skincare blogs, it will come as no surprise to know that I love face oils and according to this month’s (February 2012) Red Magazine, it would seem I am not alone!

Indeed I am in good company – thousands of French Women who also enjoy the benefits that regular use of face oils can bring to your complexion. Regular is a key word here though – if you’re not used to using a face oil, you will notice an instant improvement to your skin’s radiance but in general, it is with continued and regular use of good, organic and natural face oils that you will really notice the long term, anti-ageing benefits. As long as the face oil is correct for your particular skin type and condition and providing that the face oil you use is natural and organic and doesn’t contain mineral oils (that are derived from petroleum based products and so will clog your pores, prevent your skin from breathing and have no skincare benefits).

As previously mentioned, what you need to do is make sure you look for a face oil that suits your own particular skin type and addresses any concerns you have. If your skin is dry, flakey, dehydrated or mature, you should look for products that contain rich and nourishing oils. Whereas if your skin is oilier, prone to acne or breakouts, if you have open pores you need to look for oils that are lighter and will help balance your skin. There are of course a number of oils that suit all skin types – that can nourish yet balance, that are full of anti-ageing properties, rich in omega 3 & 6. Oils like Rosehip, Kiwi Seed, Evening Primrose, Thistle – these suit pretty much all skin types. Then there are oils that are particularly soft and smooth and ideal for sensitive skins – they include oils like Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel and of course Rosehip – that seems to be most skin’s friend.

Now what is important to remember, is that oil does not equal grease. On the contrary oil can bring equilibrium and balance your skin. It is a common myth that oil breeds oiliness but actually if you are prone to oily skin, oils can actually be your skin’s best friend. Face oils can really help balance your skin and normalize it. Steering clear of oil can actually make the problem of oiliness even worse. Using harsh products to “remove” oil actually makes your skin panic because all the oil is stripped away – so to compensate, your skin produces even more oil. So the oiliness never goes away, it just comes back with vengeance.

Some of the most sophisticated and active face oils contain other oil loving active raw materials – to help fight the signs of ageing, repair damage, prevent further damage, calm inflammations etc. The raw materials to look out for are natural ingredients like Q10, Spilanthes Acmella extract, Vitamins A and E, Bisabolol, Artic Blackcurrant extract to name but a few.

What’s not to love about Face Oils? They have so many benefits – from improving suppleness, protecting your skin from environmental damage, preventing water loss and therefore combating dryness, bringing balance to your skin, increasing the rate at which healthy new skin cells renew themselves and generally improving skin tone and radiance.

Still not convinced? There’s only one thing for it, and that is to try one out before you buy. Order one of my free natural skincare sample packs. The samples are free, all you need to do is pay for the postage & packaging – so go on, experience a fabulous face oil for yourself.